Industry Update

Source: www.TurfMagazine.com

BioSafe Adds New Technical Representative

Jeffery Michael has joined BioSafe Systems as its new technical representative for the Northwest. He will lead sales efforts in the northwestern and western United States, promoting BioSafe’s turf and ornamental, agriculture and postharvest lines. Michael, who will be based out of Caldwell, Idaho, has extensive knowledge of irrigation solutions, fieldwork and processing.

Whatcom Lawns Promotes Staff

Whatcom Lawns, Inc. promoted Jeff King and Levi Jansen as the company’s staff expands to handle its increasing clientele in Whatcom County, Wash. King, who has four years of management experience, was promoted to operations manager, where he will oversee quality control, customer service and inside sales. Jansen, an employee since 2004, was promoted to field supervisor and will direct the training and safety compliance of work crews. He is also the lead sprinkler system technician.

2009 Kioti Dealer Meeting Boasts Record Attendance

Kioti Tractor hosted its annual dealer meeting in Raleigh, N.C. The meeting’s focus on sales training helped lead to record attendance. The agenda for the three-day event included a welcome reception, new product introductions, new sales incentive programs and presentations on Developing a High-Performance Dealership by Bob Clements and Principles of Selling by Jim Falk. Dealers also went on a tour of Kioti’s corporate headquarters in Wendell, N.C., and attended the annual semiformal awards dinner.

MB Companies and Hustler Turf will work together to promote MB’s MCT-H broom.

MB Enters Strategic Relationship with Hustler Turf

Hustler Turf Equipment has recognized MB Companies as a sole provider of mechanical brooms for its new 3500 and 3700 mowers. MB will work with Hustler Turf and its distributor group to promote the MCT-H broom attachment.

Otterbine Introduces New Pattern, Guarantee, Catalog

Otterbine Barebo, Inc. redeveloped its Equinox pattern for its 1 to 5 hp aerating fountain line. The pattern was originally released in the 7.5 and 10 hp line.

Otterbine now offers a Pattern Guarantee on its 1 to 5 hp line. Customers who are not satisfied with their pattern may receive a new one within 30 days of installation.

The company has also released a newly designed catalog, which emphasizes its commitment and dedication to delivering effective, reliable and natural solutions to water quality management.

Terry Ethier

J. Thomas Appoints General Manager

J. Thomas hired Terry Ethier as general manager. Previously, he was vice president of sales and marketing at a company supplying products for industrial equipment applications. J. Thomas is an outdoor power equipment, accessories and parts supplier located in Novi, Mich.

News from Ewing

Professional Landcare Network certified professionals now qualify to receive continuing education credits for approved Ewing Irrigation Products education workshops. Approved workshops include Irrigation Troubleshooting; Advanced Installation, Troubleshooting & Design; Landscape Irrigation Auditor Workshop; and Water Management Strategies Workshop.

Ewing reorganized its executive board as part of a plan to prepare the company for continued growth and efficiency. Warren S. Gorowitz was appointed to the position of vice president of sustainability and conservation. Several company officials were promoted, including Richard A. York, chief operating officer; Jeffrey C. Anthony, chief financial officer; Rilus A. Graham III, senior vice president of credit administration; and Cliff Woodbury, senior vice president of marketing and communications. The board also includes Terry Williams, Raul Gonzalez and Jim Borneman.

Cub Cadet Launches New Web Site

Cub Cadet has launched a new, enhanced Web site at www.CubCadet.com. Customers can now access all Cub Cadet Home Owner, Cub Cadet Utility Vehicle, Cub Cadet Commercial and Cub Cadet Yanmar products through one site. It also allows visitors to arrange purchase of products from nearby dealers and features interactive product views, videos, product comparisons, recently viewed products, easy-to-use tabs, product suggestions and online product manuals.

Tom Bunch Jorge Lazo

New President for Shindaiwa

Tom Bunch has retired from his position as president of Shindaiwa, Inc. He joined the company in 1981 to develop a market position for Shindaiwa power equipment in North and South America and has also served on the parent company’s board of directors.

Jorge Lazo succeeded Bunch as president. He has also been with the company since 1981, originally charged with developing business in Latin America. Most recently, he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Gehl’s 150th-anniversary skid loader.

Gehl Unveils Anniversary Skid Loader

Gehl Co. created a chrome-covered 7810E skid loader to commemorate its 150th anniversary. The original concept for the machine was created by Form-I Design, Waverly, Iowa. The design features a reflective gold and black finish and laser-cut Gehl logos in the ROPS side screens. Decals on the lift arm display historical Gehl milestones. Milsco, Milwaukee, Wis., contributed a customized leather seat for the project, and XXX Chrome Plating, Brookfield, Wis., handled the chrome plating.

Magna-Matic Offers Online Store

Magna-Matic Corp. has a new, redesigned online store at www.magna-matic-direct.com. It contains all Magna-Matic products and parts, and visitors can download parts diagrams, review products, receive e-mail notifications when items are in stock, view order history and more.

Ariens Acquires Treker UTV Line

Ariens Co. has acquired the Treker line of utility vehicles, attachments and accessories from Land Pride, a division of Great Plains Mfg., Inc. Ariens will continue to sell the utility vehicles through Land Pride retailers and select power equipment retailers under the Gravely brand name. UTVs will also be sold through Gravely Turf retailers that serve the sports field management segment.

Rocktober Thursday Returns to GIE+EXPO

Rocktober Thursday will return to GIE+EXPO 2009 on October 29 at Fourth Street Live! in Louisville, Ky. The Thursday night concerts are sponsored by Briggs & Stratton Corp., and this year will feature Eddie Money and The Briggs Bluesbusters. On Friday night, Ariens Co. and Stens will present The Grass Roots, followed by the Fourth Street Live! Street Party featuring The Blues Brothers.

LebanonTurf Names Account Managers

LebanonTurf named Chris Osborne as national account manager for professional products. He will establish and grow corporate accounts in the landscape, golf and sports turf markets. Osborne has worked for Winner Global and Fairmont Minerals.

The company named Ken Klopp as national account manager for lawn care. He will be responsible for sales with national lawn care and landscape companies. He has worked for Growmark FS and TIMAC USA.

Bobcat and Polaris Enter Strategic Alliance

Bobcat Co. and Polaris Industries, Inc. announced a long-term strategic alliance that will leverage the complementary strengths of both companies to penetrate work-related market segments globally. The alliance will include codevelopment of work vehicles, supply of highly differentiated work vehicles and technology sharing, with a planned launch by the second half of 2010.

ENCAP Celebrates 10th Anniversary

ENCAP, LLC marked its 10th anniversary in 2009. The company develops, manufactures and markets advanced soil technologies that fight erosion, establish seeds and hold fertilizers in place.